William Lawrence Ownbey

Rev. William “Lawrence” Ownbey, 83, of Fairview, faithful servant of God, devoted shepherd and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Lawrence was born on May 20, 1943 in Buncombe Co. He was the son of the late Benjamin Taft Ownbey and Pearl Marlowe Ownbey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie Lamb, Juanita Morgan and Elaine Beall.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 64 years, Agnes Lytle Ownbey; three daughters, Lauren Ownbey, Karen Ownbey and Sharon Ownbey; one grandson and his wife, Ben and Nikki Ownbey; five great-grandchildren, Candace Ownbey, Zachary Ownbey, Jacob Ownbey, Jon Pitt and Henry Pitt; two brothers and their wives, Arthur and Maxine Ownbey and Wallace and Hope Ownbey; brother-in-law, Willie Beall; and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

For over 57 years, Rev. Ownbey ministered with grace, wisdom and boundless compassion to the congregation and the wider community. He was known for a heart of gold and a deep love for Scripture. Rev. Ownbey dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, comforting the broken hearted and guiding countless souls in their walk with Christ. He pastored Candler Church of God, Mint Hill Church of God and Mount Mourne Church of God. He was interim pastor at Ranch Road Church of God and Gilkey Church of God. He didn’t just lead a church, Rev. Ownbey walked alongside families through their highest joys and deepest sorrows, offering a steady hand and wise counsel. After retiring as a pastor, he was Spirit Caregiver Director for Church of God in Western NC for 20 years. He was also a Chaplin for 5 years at Lake Norman Hospital.

Rev. Ownbey learned the value of hard work and love of God early in life, which remained evident throughout his years. He attended Fairview Elementary School, Reynolds High School, East Coast Bible College, Lee University and School of Theology in Cleveland, TN.

Rev. Ownbey loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived a life wholeheartedly dedicated to God and his family. He was faithful in helping people in need whether it was church members, people in the community, school teachers, family members or whoever. Rev. Ownbey spent countless hours visiting the sick in hospitals, counseling the grieving and offering a steady anchor of hope to anyone facing hardships. His life was a daily expression of unwavering faith, solid commitment, heartfelt worship and steadfast love.

Rev. Ownbey’s life was a living sermon, leaving an incredible mark on the people who were led to faith through his gentle witness. While Rev. Ownbey has entered eternal rest, his spiritual legacy remains alive in the countless lives transformed by his ministry.

God gained a humble servant. We can rest in the joy of knowing he is in the presence of God. May his passing bring someone to the feet of Jesus. May someone see the love and grace of God through this tragic event.

Rev. Ownbey’s family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, beginning at 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm at Biltmore Church of God, 1390 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Kip Box and the Rev. Dennis Pitts will officiate. The burial will then take place at Nesbitt’s Chapel Church Cemetery, 12 Nesbitt’s Chapel Road, Fairview, NC 28730.

The family receive friends on Saturday, October 17th, beginning at 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Lake Harvest Church of God, 170 Presbyterian Rd., Mooresville, NC 28115.

The family invites you to honor Rev. Ownbey’s memory by purchasing Bibles in his name through The Gideon International at sendtheword.org or sending flowers.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.